James Rizza

Beloved Uncle - Respected Friend - Dedicated Professional - Master Teacher of Piano

James Rizza, a music educator and concert pianist for 33 years in the Wakefield Public Schools passed to our Lord on September 28, 2025. A lifelong resident of Wakefield and honor graduate of the class of 1949, Jimmy, as he was affectionally known, will remain forever in the hearts and memory of thousands of students that attended his weekly music class in Wakefield’s elementary schools in the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s.

Jimmy was born in 1931, the youngest of three children. He was the last to survive having been predeceased by his sister Margaret and his brother Charles, both of Wakefield. His parents, Giuseppi and Carmella Rizza immigrated to the United States about 1912 living most of their lives on Water Street where Jimmy lived until 2020, before spending his final years at Brightview Senior Living on Crescent Street.

From the early age of 5 his attraction to music, especially the piano, became the thread that connected his life to the joy of thousands of schoolchildren and adults. Admiration from students throughout his career was reflected on the walls of his home studio emphasizing his deep appreciation for their kindness. Teaching piano was his life’s passion. After eight years of private lessons, he began teaching at age 16. This interest carried forward through high school earning him four years as a scholarship recipient at the New England Conservatory of Music, graduating with “honors with distinction”. After returning from the US Army in January 1956, where he gave private lessons to children of parents on the army base and played in the US Army Band, Jimmy went on to achieve a master’s degree in music education and piano performances again at the New England Conservatory of Music with Honors.

In 1958 these achievements caught the interest of Wakefield’s Superintendent, John Hendershot, who hired Jimmy to teach the lower grades in Wakefield’s 10 elementary schools. Although never married, Jimmy was loved fondly by hundreds of students and lifelong friends. His two nephews, Charlie and Gary Rizza, will always remember his joyful laugh and calm demeanor at all birthday and holiday events, and were especially proud when their classmates realized he was their uncle.

After retiring Jimmy taught piano privately in his home studio on Water Street for the remainder of his career. Classical music was his love.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral , 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday from 8:30 to 11am. Followed by a Funeral Service in the First Baptist Church, 1 Lafayette St., Wakefield at 11:30am. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, and in Jimmy’s legacy, we ask that you please donate to The James Rizza Scholarship Fund at The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield.